‘We deserve freedom’: Photos from Bethlehem

The narrow streets of Deheishe camp were filled on Wednesday, October 14 by thousands of Palestinians who attended the funeral of Mutaz Ibrahim Zawahreh, 27, who was shot dead by Israeli forces in clashes the day before during protests in front of the Separation Wall.

The confrontations have been a daily occurrence at this location in Bethlehem, where the Wall enters deeply inside Bethlehem municipal boundaries, to encircle Rachel’s tomb. Palestinian youth throw stones at the 8 meter high Separation Wall.

The tension and anger was very palpable during the funeral. Mariah a 25-year-old Palestinian from Deheishe explains: ‘My feelings are a mix of anger and sadness, Mutaz was amazing and loved by everyone in the camp. Young people are being killed. This is because of the occupation. These are not two equals parties here.When you keep destroyed our lives, you expect us to be quiet all the time? This killing just brought more anger. This is not a new Intifada, we are in a continuous intifada. We deserve freedom.’

Muntaz was the 30th Palestinian killed since the soaring of tensions and violence in the West Bank, Jerusalem and Israel since October 1st. More than 1,300 Palestinians have been injured in the same period, many by live ammunition.

The funeral was followed by hours of clashes near the Separation Wall, on the location where Mutaz was killed, during which there were several injuries, The Israeli army used scores of tear gas canisters, rubber-coated steel bullets and live ammunition.

Members of the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine glue posters honoring Mutaz Ibrahim Zawahreh, 27, who was killed the day before by the Israeli army. PFLP is very popular in Deheishe refugee camp. (Photo: Anne Paq)

An angry crowd carries the body of Mutaz through the narrow streets of Deheishe. The camp was established in 1949, and is overcrowded, with 13,000 Palestinian refugees. (Photo: Anne Paq)

Muntaz was the 30th Palestinian killed since the soaring of tensions and violence in the West Bank, Jerusalem and Israel since October 1st. (Photo: Anne Paq)

Thousands attend the funeral. (Photo: Anne Paq)

‘We are so sad. He was my friend. The Israeli soldiers do not see us as humans.’, says a young Palestinian who attended the funeral. (Photo: Anne Paq)

A photo of Mutaz put on his grave in the cemetery of Deheishe refugee camp. (Photo: Anne Paq)

The funeral were followed by clashes in front of the Separation Wall inside Bethlehem city. (Photo: Anne Paq)

The clashes have occurred almost daily since two weeks. On October 5, 13-year-old Abed al-Rahman Shadi Obeidallah, was killed in Aida refugee camp near clashes. (Photo: Anne Paq)

Israeli soldiers are seen on a top of a building inside Bethlehem. (Photo: Anne Paq)

The Israeli army used scores of tear gas canisters, at times covering the Al-Azzeh refugee camp with clouds of tear gas. Some of the tear gas were shot directly at the head level of the protesters. (Photo: Anne Paq)

The clashes lasted until the night. Israeli soldiers also use rubber-coated steel bullets and live ammunition. (Photo: Anne Paq)

‘Nobody is afraid’ say some Palestinian children who were going to attend the protests. (Photo: Anne Paq)

About Anne Paq

Anne Paq is a French photographer, member of the photo collective Activestills. She is currently back in Palestine and working on a long-term project on Gaza called 'Obliterated Families'.

Support Mondoweiss’s independent journalism today

Mondoweiss brings you the news that no one else will. Your tax-deductible donation enables us to deliver information, analysis and voices stifled elsewhere. Please give now to maintain and grow this unique resource.